Your Future Starts in the Heart of Wood Buffalo
We respectfully acknowledge that Keyano College is located on Treaty 8 territory, the traditional & contemporary meeting grounds and gathering places of the Denesuline, Cree and Métis Peoples of this region. Our name, Keyano (kiyânaw in nêhiyawêwin - Cree language), translates to “we, us, our” and speaks to the connection we have as a community and our commitment to being in right relationships with the First Peoples of these lands.
POPULATION 2021: 72,917
HOUSEHOLD INCOME:
$210,265 in Fort McMurray (vs. $106,300 in Canada – 2021 census)
EMPLOYMENT RATE:
Almost 17% higher than the national average
FLIGHT ACCESSIBILITY: Direct flights to Edmonton Calgary, and Toronto
FORT MCMURRAY WOOD BUFFALO
ALBERTA
Build Your Future from the Ground Up.
At Keyano College, our trades and apprenticeship programs are designed with one goal in mind; getting you jobready for in-demand careers. With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced instructors, and strong industry connections, you’ll gain the skills, certifications, and confidence to succeed in high-paying, hands-on roles right here in our region and beyond.
Scholarships & Student Awards
Keyano college students enrolled in apprenticeship training through the School of Trades and Technology may be eligible for a range of financial supports. In addition to Keyano College awards, dedicated Apprenticeship Awards are available to help offset the cost of training. Students are encouraged to explore the awards available and apply through the Keyano College awards and bursaries program.
Scan for Scholarships & Awards
“Being accepted into Keyano College provides many opportunities for the future, especially securing meaningful employment. It also opens many doors for me, particularly with the career I have been wanting to pursue for years. Several of my family members are Power Engineers, so I am thrilled to be given the chance to follow in their footsteps.”
Jayden Warr
60 for 60 scholarship Power Engineering
Scan for Scholarship Details
Power Engineering
Power Engineers operate and maintain the systems that keep industrial facilities running—from boilers and turbines to HVAC and pressure vessels. These professionals are essential in sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, and utilities.
Choose Your Path
These programs focus on academic learning and certification preparation. Whether you prefer in-class, online, or co-op learning formats, you’ll find the right option to begin or advance your career in Power Engineering.
• Power Engineering Fourth Class Comprehensive: A 5-month, in-class program that prepares you to write your 4th class certification exams with a strong practical and theoretical foundation.
• Power Engineering Third Class Co-op: A 4-month, in-class program with the possibility of an interview for a six-month paid placement to help you gain realworld experience and earn your 3rd class certification.
• Power Engineering Computer Managed Learning (CML) 4th Class: Self-paced, online training to earn your 4th class certification. Includes instructor support and flexible exam supervision.
• Power Engineering Computer Managed Learning (CML) 3rd Class: Self-paced, online training to earn your 3rd class certification. Includes scheduled instructor support and flexible exam supervision.
• Power Lab: Build steam time and practical experience in Keyano’s industry-grade training lab – essential for certification readiness. This 200 hour practical course is required for 4th class certification (seats are limited).
Scan for Program Details
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with inclass technical instruction over the course of four years. Apprentices spend about 80% of their time gaining handson experience in the workplace under the supervision of a certified journeyperson. The remaining 20% is spent in classroom-based technical training at an approved institution like Keyano College. More information available on Tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca
As apprentices progress through each period, they develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to meet industry standards and over time, qualify to write the journeyperson certification exam.
Keyano offers several types of technical training for apprentices and a wide variety of heavy industrial occupations to make you job ready.
• Electrician
• Heavy Equipment Technician
• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter
• Welder
Scan for Electrician Apprenticeship Program Details.
Electrician Apprenticeship
Train on diverse electrical systems and power your career to journeyperson success.
Begin your journey toward a rewarding career as a certified electrician with Keyano College’s Electrician Apprenticeship Program. Over four years, you’ll blend classroom instruction with extensive hands-on experience, building the skills needed to work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Aligned with Alberta’s apprenticeship and certification standards, this program prepares you to earn your Journeyperson Certificate and Red Seal designation.
Career Opportunities
Licensed electricians are in-demand across Alberta and beyond. Career paths include:
• Electrical contractors (residential, commercial, and industrial)
• Resource and utility companies
• Oil and gas sector
• Construction firms
• Self-employment or entrepreneurship
• Supervisory and inspection roles (with experience)
Heavy Equipment Technician
Apprenticeship
Hands-on training for a high-demand career in heavy equipment service.
Work hands-on with the heavy machinery that powers Alberta’s construction, energy, and transportation sectors. The Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Program at Keyano College trains you to maintain, repair, and overhaul a wide range of equipment, from diesel engines and tracked vehicles to hydraulics and powertrains. Over four years, you’ll combine classroom learning with real-world experience, gaining the expertise needed to become a certified journeyperson and Red Seal tradesperson.
Career Opportunities
With this skill set as a Heavy Equipment Technician, you’ll be ready for employment in diverse industries, including:
• Heavy equipment technician or field service technician
• Truck and transport mechanic
• Equipment technician in mining, forestry, construction, or energy sectors
• Shop supervisor or service manager
• Independent contractor or business owner
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Apprenticeship
Power precision systems across Canada’s industries
Launch your career in mechanical trades with Keyano College’s Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Apprenticeship Program. Over four years, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with precision mechanical systems in real-world industrial environments. From power generation plants to pipelines and ski lifts, this trade keeps Canada’s essential systems running smoothly.
You’ll learn to install, maintain, and repair machinery while interpreting technical drawings, assembling components, and working with tools like lathes, pumps, and other rotating equipment. This program prepares you to become a certified journeyperson, meeting the high demand for skilled millwrights across Alberta and beyond.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
• Industrial Mechanic or Millwright
• Plant Maintenance Technician
• Mechanical Systems Installer
• Equipment Repair Specialist
• Machinery Supervisor or Foreperson
Steamfitter-Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program
Shape the systems that power industry and infrastructure
Get the skills you need to launch a successful career in Alberta’s growing energy and construction sectors. The Steamfitter-Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program at Keyano College prepares you to work on complex piping systems that support everything from oil refineries and gas plants to hospitals and high-rises.
Over four years, you’ll gain hands-on experience and classroom instruction in areas like pipe fabrication, layout, welding, and system installation. You’ll learn to interpret plans, safely operate specialized tools, and ensure systems meet industry codes and standards.
Graduates of the program receive a Journeyperson Certificate with the opportunity to challenge the Red Seal exam.
Career Opportunities
Upon completing the Steamfitter-Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program, you will be able to:
• Steamfitter or pipefitter
• Industrial maintenance technician
• Plant operations or utility technician
• Project foreperson or construction supervisor
• Positions in oil refineries, gas plants, pulp mills, hospitals, chemical plants, and more
Welder Apprenticeship Program
Develop hands-on welding expertise and advance toward Red Seal certification
Launch your welding career with Keyano College’s Welder Apprenticeship Program. Over three years, you’ll gain hands-on training and technical expertise in electric arc, gas, and resistance welding. Learn to read blueprints, calculate materials, and safely weld a variety of metals for real-world construction and fabrication projects.
This program prepares you for a wide range of career paths - from pipeline construction to structural steel assembly - while guiding you toward Red Seal certification and journeyperson status.
Career Opportunities
With this skill set as a welder, you’ll be ready for employment in diverse industries, including:
• Pipeline and industrial construction
• Structural steel or vessel assembly
• Steel fabrication shops
• Heavy equipment repair
• Commercial welding and contracting
Driver Training
Start your journey in the transportation industry with professional driver training programs designed to get you on the road to success! Keyano College offers Class 1 Learning Pathway, Class 3, and Air Brakes “Q” Endorsement designed to train and certify individuals in the most up-to-date and accredited information.
Air Brakes “Q” Endorsement:
This certification is required to operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes.
Class 3 Driver Training:
A Class 3 license in Alberta is a professional operator’s license that allows you to operate certain commercial vehicles, plus any motor vehicle a Class 5 license allows.
Class 1 Driver Training:
A Class 1 license in Alberta allows you to operate almost any type of vehicle, including semi-trailer trucks, and is the highest commercial license available.
Scan for Driver Training Details.
Dual Credit
Dual Credit programs give high school students a head start on a career in the trades by allowing them to earn both high school and post-secondary credits at the same time. Students learn from experienced instructors in real shop settings, gaining hands-on skills. It’s a practical, supported pathway into rewarding careers—while still in high school.
Electrical
Heavy Equipment Technician Welding
Contact your high school’s counsellor for more information on Dual Credit programming.
Operator Training
We offer training programs for those looking to become Haul Truck Operators, or Heavy Equipment Operators. The courses are made up of theory, computer based training and practical simulations. In addition, for the Heavy Equipment Operator program, there will be equal time for hands on in-field training on the equipment within the program.
Haul Truck Operator:
This four-week simulator based Haul Truck Operator course provides you with the skills and training needed to safely operate a haul truck.
Heavy Equipment Operator:
This eight-week simulator and equipment based course is designed for students seeking entry level positions in the heavy equipment operator field including wheeled loader, dozer, grader, excavator and articulating truck.
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
AIR BRAKES “Q” ENDORSEMENT
Must have a valid class 5 Canadian Driver’s License.
APPRENTICESHIP
CERTIFICATE INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED PROGRAM DIPLOMA
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
CLASS 1 DRIVER TRAINING
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet minimum scores on a recognized English language proficiency test (e.g., IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 85, TOEFL iBT 59, or equivalent).
Tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca
• At least 18 years old
• Have a valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License
• Have a valid Air Brake “Q” Endorsement
• Have completed and passed Alberta Transportation’s online training course.
• Provide medical fitness approval.
• If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet minimum scores on a recognized English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 85, TOEFL iBT 59, or equivalent).
CLASS 3 DRIVER TRAINING
• Must have a valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License with Air Brake “Q” Endorsement
• Completed Class 3 Knowledge Test
• Provide a Driver’s Abstract from the past two years.
• If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet minimum scores on a recognized English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 85, TOEFL iBT 59, or equivalent).
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
HAUL TRUCK
OPERATOR
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have an unrestricted Class 5 Driver’s License
• Provide a current Driver’s Abstract with no suspensions and no more than two violations in the last three years
• Submit a resume, completed Haul Truck Application, and Career Profile
• Successfully complete an interview with industry and college representatives
• Complete physical demands testing
• Must have Grade 12 or GED completion (international applicants may need to provide proof of English competency)
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
POWER
ENGINEERING: CML
1. 4TH CLASS
2. 3RD CLASS
• It is strongly recommended that students have Math 20-1 or Math 20-2, Physics 20 or Science 20 (Alberta course only) and English 20.
• Fourth Class Power Engineering Certification (to apply for 3rd Class)
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
OPERATOR
• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma (Grade 12 - site specific) or GED
• Valid Driver’s License, unrestricted, at least class 5 or equivalent - not GDL
• Driver’s Abstract with no more than 2 violations within the last 3 years, and no suspensions
POWER
ENGINEERING 4TH CLASS
COMPREHENSIVE CO-OP
High school diploma with:
• English 20-1 or English 20-2
• Math 20-1 or Math 20-2
• Physics 20 or Science 20 (Alberta courses only) OR
Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) pass mark on all 5 exams (formerly GED exam)
POWER
ENGINEERING 3RD
CLASS CO-OP
Valid 4th Class ABSA certification
